Gerard Burns Vows to End Ireland’s Drought Against Dagestan at BRAVE CF 100

Irish contender Gerard “The Animal” Burns is ready to etch his name in mixed martial arts history when he faces Muhammad “The Punisher” Mokaev for the inaugural BRAVE CF Flyweight World Championship in the co-main event of BRAVE 100 on Friday, Nov. 7, at Khalifa Sports City, Isa Town, Bahrain.

For Burns, this isn’t just a title fight — it’s a mission for Irish MMA pride. The Dublin native aims to break Ireland’s long-standing losing streak against Dagestan’s elite fighters.

“No Irishman has beaten a Dagestani in a World Title fight,” Burns declared. “That ends with me. I’m bringing that win home for Ireland.”

The rivalry between Irish and Dagestani fighters has captured global attention — from Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor (2018) to recent clashes featuring Paul Hughes and Usman Nurmagomedov. Now, Burns seeks to write a new chapter.

For two years, Burns has had one name in mind — Mokaev, the undefeated Dagestani-born prodigy raised in England, who has been a dominant force in the flyweight division. Burns even called him out mid-fight at BRAVE CF 89, moments before submitting Santhiago “Galo Doido” Paiva.

“I’ve wanted Mokaev for the longest time,” Burns said. “Everyone says he can’t be beaten — I’m here to prove otherwise. This is the fight I’ve been preparing for my whole career.”

BRAVE CF President Mohammed Shahid believes a victory for Burns would mark a historic turning point for Irish MMA.

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“If Gerard Burns comes to Bahrain and gets that win over an unbeaten Dagestani, he’ll become the new face of Irish mixed martial arts,” Shahid said.

With national pride and a world title on the line, Gerard Burns vs. Muhammad Mokaev promises to be one of the most significant bouts in BRAVE CF history.